Any excuse is the perfect excuse for afternoon tea – for both the Queen and the entire nation. And should Queen Elizabeth indulge in a quintessentially English scone or two, they will no doubt be accompanied by the traditional Cornish clotted cream that was her mother's favourite.
Click here for Cornish scone recipeRodda's clotted cream – known for its rich and creamy texture and distinctive golden crust – was a staple item in the palace's pantry during the Queen Mother's lifetime. None other than Prince Charles used to send her 1lb of the delightful condiment every fortnight, says the family-run company's managing director, Nicholas Rodda. Something which, naturally, he tells HELLO! Online, was "a true privilege".Over the years, it has repeatedly been given the royal seal of approval. It was served as part of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding breakfast in 1981, and again at the Duke and Duchess of York's wedding in 1986.
© Photo: RexThe Queen turns 89 on Tuesday
Now Rodda's cream is sold all over the world, from London to Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand to Dubai, Denmark and Sweden. It is the cream of choice on BA flights and was part of the last meal ever served aboard a Concorde flight from London.
Eliza Jane started Rodda's in 1890 and it remains in the same family today, with great great grandson Nicholas now at the helm.
Nicholas, who is the fifth generation to work in the business, remembers its beginning: "When my grandfather was 15, in 1923, he was sent to London with jars of cream to sell. He sold it to Fortnum's – that was the start of our cream exporting business. "Given that the Cornish clotted cream is a royal favourite and served in luxury restaurants, cafes and hotels across the world, it's little wonder that the creamery is celebrating its 125th year of business this year.Make your own royal afternoon tea with this traditional Cornish scone recipe.
